Hi all. I need help as im am a beginner in 460BB's. I am curently building up a 460 for my 1978 xc fairmont and have just bought a timing gear set to replace the timing chain and i am not sure how to install them. The kit came with the cam gear the crank gear the duel idlers and a bronze thrust washer. The way i figure they go is the bronze washer goes on the cam gear and faces the cam thrust plate and the crank gear goes on as normal but what gets me is the idler. Does it just sit there or should there something holding it in. This may be a stupid question to you all but i just dont want stuff it up. I have read heaps of info from here and i belive to be the most helpfull forum for fords. Hopefully someone can help me

I...have just bought a timing gear set to replace the timing chain and i am not sure how to install them. The kit came with the cam gear the crank gear the duel idlers and a bronze thrust washer. The way i figure they go is the bronze washer goes on the cam gear and faces the cam thrust plate and the crank gear goes on as normal but what gets me is the idler. Does it just sit there or should there something holding it in?

Didn't your timing gear set come with instructions? What brand is it? Have you called the manufacturer? Can't tell you how to install it without knowing what brand it is, but I wonder of the timing cover holds the idler gears in place.

Personally, I am not a fan of dual idler ("dog bone") timing gear sets and prefer a single idler timing gear set...assuming I have a need to run a timing gear set in the first place. Why would you choose a gear set over a double roller chain? Are you changing camshafts between passes at the dragstrip? Cam timing adjustments? At this time I sure can't think of any other reason to run one.

hi, the idler gears do "basically" sit there. the front of the block and rear of tining cover hold them in the correct location. BUT this clearance MUST be carefully checked using a trial assembly, or 2 or 3 !! and is set by machining the axles of the idles gears to the correct length. if this is not done correctly you WILL destroy the gears and most likely the engine when the idler gears break. make sure it is done by someone who knows what they are doing. cheers

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